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The main train station in Stockholm, Sweden or simply, Stockholm Central Station opened during Victorian times in 1871. Modified and rebuilt in stages during the years, it now welcomes over 200,000 travelers who pass through it during a day. Back in the 1950s, it was all quite different. Let’s explore further.

The station was built in only four years with architect Adolf W. Edelsvärd at the helm. For the first few decades, all the train tracks led into the station but as passenger numbers grew, the station was deemed not to be able to handle the growing traffic. So in 1927, the old track hall was converted into a impressive, almost 120 meter long waiting hall instead.

The “circle”, a large hole in the middle of the waiting hall, looking down to the mezzanine underneath was added in 1958 when the Stockholm Underground system was inaugurated (the station passes through just outside the building), is one of the main meeting places in the city.

At one point there were separate waiting areas and restaurants for first and second class passengers, as well as a separate entrance and waiting hall for members of the Royal family. All of these features have now been lost to time, like so many things.

And speaking of time, let’s travel back to the 1950s and visit the station. Grab a seat and let the people watching begin.

Above: But first, we need a ticket. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Let’s sit down and catch up with todays local news. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Heading down the passage for the south-bound trains. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Passengers heading down to connect to the station after arriving to Stockholm. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Bags and luggage were checked and registered like in the airport. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Taxis waiting outside in the night to whisk us away to a Hotel of choice. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Fancy a bite to eat, there’s plenty to choose from at the second floor restaurant overlooking the waiting hall. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: People waiting in line to buy something to bring along for the trip at Pressbyrån. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Before there was Internet you could book any local Hotel using the “Hotel Central” service. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Chris Alm

Christopher founded Ultra Swank in 2005. Has a crush on mid-century graphic design, defunct airlines, Disneyland and the Century 21 Exposition. Is a collector of easy listening music from the 60s and 70s and a Swedish expat living in Barcelona, Spain.

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Ultra Swank

Ultra Swank is a magazine styled blog that takes you back in time into the kitsch, chic, swank and camp living of the 1940s to the 1970s. We mostly focus on the design, style, and fashion of the happy-go-lucky and space-age-living mentality of that era – but also on the music and movies that takes you back to happier times. Ultra Swank is written by a dedicated team of time travelers from around the globe.